Shots fired in East Windsor

by Chris Jackman

Windsor police are investigating reports of shots fired.

Police were dispatched to the 200 block of Belleview Avenue around 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22, after a resident reported finding a bullet hole in the fender of his car. According to a police report, the resident found the hole while washing his car. The report also said other residents told police they heard popping noises between 12:30 a.m. and 1:00 a.m.

One resident of the block told police they allegedly saw a car speeding out of the area after hearing the popping noises. They also said they observed a group of about 10 people coming out from behind one of the homes, according to police.

The report also said further investigation of the 200 block revealed bullet holes in the front windows of two homes, as well as brass bullet casings in a driveway.

Sgt. Matthew D’Asti, public information officer for the Windsor Police Service, said the investigation found the casings were from a .22 caliber firearm. He said the major crimes branch of the police would be continuing the investigation Monday, March 24.

Irene Walker, a resident of Belleview Avenue, said she heard the shots, but didn’t look outside to see who might be responsible.

“We thought it was firecrackers,” said Walker. “We didn’t find out until the afternoon from the police that it was shots fired in our lane.”

Walker said before Saturday’s incident she never felt unsafe in her home, but now she plans to move.

“I’m not staying here,” said Walker. “It’s too dangerous for me.”

“We’re going to have experts look at the bullet casings that were found,” said D’Asti. “We’re focusing on getting the firearm off the streets and keeping our community safe.”

Sgt. Pamela Mizuno of the corporate communications unit at the Windsor police said they are asking the public to call in with any tips.

“We’ve gotten tips in the past that have led to important information,” she said.

Mizuno said anyone with information is asked to call the Windsor police major crime branch, or Crime Stoppers.